"They didn't want us to see it — so we're going to see it," said Getz who traveled from Hastings on Friday to catch an afternoon showing of the movie at the Historic Howell Theater.

The comedy, which centers on an assassination attempt against North Korean dictator Kim Jong Un, was dropped from widespread release after threats from the communist regime.

"The Interview" was later offered to independent theaters, with the Howell movie house quickly jumping on board.

"This is really a part of movie history," said Tyler DePerro, the theater's new owner and a film buff. "It fits in with such films as 'The Great Dictator' and 'Dr. Strangelove.' It's about satire and free speech."

Upon reopening the theater this fall, DePerro promised it would be bold and creative in its movie selections.

But showing the Seth Rogen and James Franco comedy may have been its boldest move yet.

"Really, I just want to see what this is all about," said moviegoer Larry Thompson of Hartland Township.

Though a comedy, reaction attributed to North Korea and its sympathizers has been anything but comical.

Alleged military threats against the United States and vague threats against theaters and moviegoers have swirled around the film since its original Christmas release date was announced.

Sony Pictures emails were also hacked and made public.

The film studio's decision to initially pull the film even drew comment from President Barack Obama.

Box-office response has been gratifying

Box-office response has been gratifying. Nationwide, the film racked up nearly $1 million during Christmas Day showings in 330 independent movie theaters around the United States.

Local response has been strong, DePerro said, with the downtown Howell theater extending the run of the movie through Jan. 7.

The often overlooked question in all of this — is the movie any good?

On that note, an Associated Press review gave the film a B rating, noting it merited an extra star after almost being taken down by a dictatorial regime.

As far as dictators go, history may note Kim Jong Un as a less-than-great one.

As a filmmaker, Rogen may also end up falling well short of the likes of Charlie Chaplin or Peter Sellers.

But, together, Hollywood's newest odd couple is making history of their own.